"George Washington had turned down the requests of blacks, seeking freedom, to fight I the revolutionary army" (64).

"...we apprehend ourselves to be Aggreeved, in that while we are not allowed the Privilage of freemen of the state having no vote or influence in the Election of those that Tax us yet many of outer Colour (as is well known ) have cheerfully Entered the field of Battle in the defense of the Common Cause and that (as we conceive ) against a similar exertion of Power (in Regard to taxation) too we'll known need a recital in this place..." (Zinn, 67).

African Americans

Why weren't the black slaves and freemen allowed to join the militia?

How did the revolution effect the black population?

Black slaves were 20% of the total population (50% in certain places).
There was a fear that the slaves would revolt (Zinn, 64).

In 1780, seven African Americans in Dartmouth, Massachusetts petitioned legislature for the right to vote (Zinn, 67).

"Benjamin Banneker" http://www.bdmuseum.com/images/Banneker.jpg